Worley Family Launches Major Main Street Revitalization Project in North Myrtle Beach

Source: Polly Lowman – NMBTimes

A major transformation is underway along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach as the Worley family begins a large-scale beautification and redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing the heart of Ocean Drive.

The longtime building that once housed Hardwick’s Cafeteria and more recently the Duffy Street Restaurant is now under renovation. The structure will become a new two-story dining destination, marking the beginning of a much larger development initiative led by H.G. Worley and his father, Harold Worley.

The project, named Shag City U.S.A., will extend from the former Duffy Street Restaurant site up Main Street to the McMillan Real Estate building. Once complete, the development will encompass more than 40,000 square feet and create 24 new spaces designed for retail, dining, and experiential businesses.

The first phase of construction includes a new flagship location for Melt Ice Cream Shop, ensuring the popular local business can remain open during the redevelopment process. Future phases will continue once Melt relocates into its new space.

According to the developers, the project is intentionally focused on supporting family-owned, local businesses. Rather than volume leasing, each tenant will be selected through a screening process to preserve diversity, uniqueness, and local character throughout the development.

The design emphasizes pedestrian-friendly features, welcoming storefronts, an elevator for second-floor access, and parking behind the development and along First Avenue South. The overall goal is to modernize the area while preserving the charm and walkability that define Ocean Drive.

Construction preparations are currently underway, with final permitting in progress. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year, signaling the start of a multi-phase revitalization that will shape the future of Main Street and Ocean Drive for decades to come.